Poll

When Mufi Hannemann brought up reviving an inter island ferry service, it was widely supported throughout the state. The critics seemed to be focused on partisan politics rather than transportation alternatives for Hawaii’s people. A recent StarAdvertiser online poll underscored just how overwhelming the support for reestablishing a ferry service is, and the attached letter to the editor says it all pretty clearly.

StarAdvertiser Poll 6/18/14

Letter to the Editor, StarAdvertiser 6/16/14

Superferry is sorely missed by residents

Regardless of one’s feelings about Mufi Hannemann’s candidacy for governor, knocking the Superferry is not a valid argument (“Keeping Superferry afloat still doesn’t seem reasonable,” Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, June 8).

As someone who travels frequently to the neighbor islands these days and has to deal with exorbitant airline prices and associated inconveniences, it just reinforces the need for alternative ocean options, which are especially helpful to residents as well as being attractive to tourists.

One of my main recollections of travel on the Superferry was the great number of local people and families on board, including workers coming for jobs with their vehicles and gear.

Travel was super convenient, smooth and comfortable, unlike Seaflite, where mechanical breakdowns were a problem. Seasickness was definitely not a significant issue.

I credit any politician who has the foresight and the backbone to propose a fresh look at one of our biggest island deficiencies.